15 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Realtor

Putting your house on the market is a big deal. It can be complicated and emotional, and you need to be able to trust your realtor throughout the process; your agent will be responsible for helping set the sale price, marketing your home, running open houses, speaking with potential buyers and then at the end of the day, helping you through the selling process. For that reason, it’s important to do your research before selecting an agent. Listen to friends, family, and neighbors on their recommendations, and once you’ve narrowed the field, here are some key questions to ask an agent before making a decision.

What’s your experience and education? While a new real estate agent can be fresh and motivated, an agent that is knowledgable in many different areas of the selling process will be quick to dissolve any issues along the way. Be on the look out for if the agent has also engaged in any continuing education courses.

What’s the price range of homes you have sold? You probably already have a tentative figure in mind for your home’s price. Find out if the realtor typically represent homes in that price range If most of the homes the agent sells are in a far higher — or lower — price range, he or she may not be as familiar with how to market your home.

How familiar are you with my neighborhood? Good word of mouth tends to spread within neighborhoods, so if your real estate agent has had a lot of home sales in your area, that’s probably a good sign. Familiarity with your neighborhood can only help your agent sell your home.

How will you market my home? Ask your agent in addition to MLS, on how many websites will they market your home? You want to ensure a good marketing plan is in place.

What the negatives to my home and what can or should I do to remedy them? An agent that is a good fit should be able to name several potential drawbacks to selling your home, from repairs to location and beyond. That said, you will be spending a good deal of time with your real estate pro, so seek out someone with a realistic but tactful approach.

How will we stay in touch and communicate? Find out how frequently you can expect your agent to check in with you, and when he or she is available for you to call with questions or for updates.